Sweet Summer Dress Tutorial

Oh, I had this dress idea in my head for a while. So glad I finally got it out of there and into the real world!! ;) 
This was so much fun to make!!! And like a friend of mine said, it's perfect for ALL ages! Little kids, big kids, tweens, teens and adults!! I think I need to make one for myself!!! 

There are a lot of steps to making this BUT don't let that scare you. It's still very easy to construct. 

You can make it longer and lose the leggings or make it shorter. It's all up to you! 

WHAT I USED 

1 1/2 yards of grey knit
1 1/2 yards of striped knit
3/4" elastic 


STEP 1

I took Cailey's measurements and drew out the patterns.
You want the back pieces to overlap so the pattern piece will be wider than the front piece. 

You want to cut 2 front bodice pieces on the fold.
You'll need to cut 4 back bodice pieces NOT on the fold. 


STEP 2

Fold the fabric for the bottom over, then over again. Fold until you have a nice point at the top. Basically it will be folded into fourths. 
Now, here comes the math. However wide you need the top of the circle to be, divide by 4. Use your measuring tape to measure that distance across the top, near the point. 
Cut.
From there, measure how long you want it to be down one side. Mark it. 
Measure again down the middle and mark.
Measure one more time down the other side and mark.
Now, connect those marks. That's your cutting line.

Cut the bottom of the dress. 

This is what you should have.


STEP 3

Now, take your 2 front bodice pieces and pin them with right sides together. (My right sides have glitter but most of the time it doesn't matter with a knit.)

Sew just the arm holes and the neckline. 
DO NOT sew the sides, bottom or the shoulders. 


STEP 4

Now, turn it right side out and press.

Top stitch around the arm holes and neckline. 


STEP 5

Time for the back bodice pieces!!
Take 2 and pin them with right sides together, 
Sew just where the pins are (the arm hole and the straight edge NOT the side, bottom or shoulder). 
Do the same to the other 2 back pieces. 


STEP 6

Turn the pieces right side out and press.
Now, top stitch along the straightish line and the arm hole. 


STEP 7

With right sides together, sew the shoulder seams and side seams. 
Still leave the bottom open.


STEP 8

Place the bodice piece over the skirt, with right sides together. 
Pin the bottom of the bodice to the top of the skirt. Make sure to overlap the back bodice pieces a bit.
Sew the seam with a stretch stitch. 

Press it out and here is what you have!!! 


STEP 9

Sewing a traditional hem in a circle skirt can be a pain in the butt. There's just SO MUCH fabric at the bottom!! So, with a knit you don't have to hem at all!! OR you can do what I did and sew a zigzag stitch all across the bottom. 
I pulled the fabric slightly as I stitched to give it a lettuce hem. 

ALL DONE (well, with that part)!!!!

Now, on to the leggings. 
This is pretty much how I make any simple pant, short, legging, without any extras at all. LOL 


STEP 1

Grab a pair of leggings to use as a guide. 
Cut 2 legs, on the fold. 
Make sure to add at least 1 1/2" to the top and at least 1/2" at the bottom. (The first is for the elastic casing, the second is for the hem.)


STEP 2

Now you're going to sew the inseam.
Sew a stretch stitch right between where the 2 arrows are. 
Do both legs. Press your seams.


STEP 3

Now, turn one leg right side out and slide it down into the other leg.
Sew that U shaped seam! :)


STEP 4

With the pants still inside out, fold over the top by 1 1/2".
Sew the elastic casing, making sure to leave an opening to insert the elastic through. 


STEP 5

Put a large safety pin on both ends of the elastic. This makes it easier to insert and you won't lose the other end. ;)
Insert the elastic. 
Sew the ends of the elastic together.
Sew the opening in the casing closed. 


STEP 6

Now for the hem. 
Again, this is knitwear, no hem needed BUT it does give it a more professional look. 
With the pants right side out, turn the bottom of each leg in by 1/2" and press. 
Then top stitch the hem with a stretch stitch. :D


ALL DONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Put it on and twirl away!!! ;)

Hope this was easy to follow. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask!!! 


HAVE FUN SEWING!!!!!!!!!!!